When the devastating cyclone made landfall on Jamaica on 28 October with winds of 185mph, it resulted in a landscape of widespread ruin. Residences, medical facilities, and critical infrastructure were leveled, resulting in the tragic loss of 32 lives and disrupting the lives of an estimated 1.5 million people. For therapist Toni-Jan Ifill, it was instantly apparent that the material damage would be shadowed by profound and persistent emotional wounds.
“Simple things can provoke them,” Ifill notes. “An individual spoke of a wheeled bin we often push through the halls, whose clatter sounded like breaking wood and the howling wind. She now refuses to experiencing that particular noise.”
Weeks after the catastrophe, which also affected parts of Cuba, memories of the frightening storm continue to trouble many staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. Simply the noise of falling rain can now prompt panic among individuals who endured it.
The Unseen Cost Beyond Economic Reconstruction
This disaster resulted in a substantial recovery package totaling up to $6.7bn over several years and an additional payment of $150 million from a pioneering risk financing tool. Yet, experts warn this economic assistance does not address the psychological cost: pervasive mental health crises—notably among those who had been recovering from Hurricane Beryl in 2024.
Although the lion's share of effort targets rebuilding infrastructure, studies over the recent years demonstrate that the probability of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) rises significantly after hurricanes and displacement. Researchers are now calling for the inclusion of psychosocial services into disaster response plans across the region.
Increased Risks: Displacement and Emotional Stability
Academics highlight how prolonged homelessness, destroyed jobs, and insufficient support worsen emotional distress. A scholarly article identified a heightened danger of PTSD, depression, and anxiety after extreme weather. Additional analysis documented similar anxiety, fear, and emotional distress among people displaced by tropical cyclones.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a researcher who has examined disaster survivors globally, notes that survivors often encounter three primary emotional obstacles: severe stress and mood disorders.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a lecturer in risk reduction, agrees. She notes that while people are often tough, as the frequency of disasters increases, psychological well-being is becoming an major issue—despite the fact that detailed prevalence surveys is not widely available.
The researchers found that female survivors experienced more severe emotional impact than men. “This suggests women are at greater emotional risk than males during these events,” Smith explains.
The Long Road to Healing
Dr. Heanoy notes that while some early progress in mental health is often seen within a year of the event, long-term outcomes remain uncertain. The degree to which survivors bounce back depends heavily on the specific triggers and the care they receive.
The experts see that the loss of homes and livelihoods can magnify the psychological burden to rebuild. Smith labels housing loss “a key traumatic factor,” notably when financial safety nets are absent. “Reconstruction comes with its own mental burden,” she adds.
Ifill witnesses the parallel situation among her those seeking help: “Individuals who had mental health conditions before have found it’s far more intense in this aftermath.”
Beyond the mental impact, practical issues remain. The hurricane wiped out key water infrastructure, delaying the complete restoration of clean water. Insurance payouts, while crucial, do not address all of the systemic weaknesses exposed by the storm.
Social Support as a Vital Lifeline
Perhaps most importantly is that rebuilding alone cannot heal the emotional wounds caused by the loss of loved ones. Studies shows that survivors commonly experience community support to be more immediate than government assistance.
“The government’s role is important,” Smith states. “In its absence, or when it is inefficient, local people support one another.”
Ifill notes the power of community solidarity in navigating hardship. She says she was “impressed by the sense of humour” among strong communities. “You've lost everything, right? But if a community has a supportive culture, they share laughter about the storm.”
She further acknowledges steps to support mental health awareness after the disaster but advises about the harms of consuming endless negative news. “I recommended curating news intake, trusting verified sources, and leveraging technology to stay in touch with loved ones.”
An Increasing Regional Priority
In recent years, psychosocial care has become a higher priority from international agencies due to the intensifying planetary changes. The rising occurrence of climate disasters has led to the development of frameworks for trauma support.
Regional institutions have developed detailed resources to assist aid personnel in delivering psychological care in the wake of catastrophes. These projects aim to strengthen individual and social resilience by educating caregivers, combating stigma, and encouraging the seeking of professional help.
Financial aid are also highlighted as fundamental for preserving mental health. A producer from another Caribbean nation, who lost all his crops in a previous flood, emphasizes the despair that arises when promised compensation fails to materialize. “Officials visited... But even now, we never got the promised help,” he states.
An Appeal for Comprehensive Recovery
Experts observe that the Caribbean region is responsible for a very small fraction of global emissions yet suffers disproportionate climate impacts. A timely and comprehensive reconstruction is deemed vital to avoid enduring trauma.
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